Two games into the season, it’s not too hard to pinpoint the problems regarding the Baltimore Ravens.
A strong unit with a respectable 1-1 record given two tough division matchups, the issues that could hold the team back from reaching its potential are noticeable.
There are things such as middling cornerback depth and lack of a consistent power running game, but the one struggle that has been painfully obvious thus far has been the lack of red zone success on offense.
Ranking 28th in the NFL with a red zone touchdown percentage of 33.3% – down from last year’s final percentage of 46.2%, granted this year’s sample size is much smaller – the offense for the Ravens has become worrisome when it enters inside the 20 yard line.
Last Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers – while it was a positive 26-6 final result for the Ravens – magnified some of the issues the team could have in the red zone this season, particularly when it comes to the passing game and the play calling/decision making on the part of quarterback Joe Flacco.
In that game, Baltimore’s offense entered the red zone six times, scoring two touchdowns and converting four field goal attempts.
That was fine in this one game since the defense held the Steelers to only six points, but ideally – especially given the chances the offense had in the red zone – two touchdowns isn’t enough on six trips.
What are the issues turning the Ravens offense red with embarrassment in the red zone?
The most glaring problem occurred twice on the same drive, with the end result being a field goal.
Having Steve Smith Sr. in Baltimore is great, and he has already made a noticeable impact on the passing game, but his playing style is not that of Anquan Boldin, and it seems as if Flacco may think that.
For example, the Ravens called a play on second and goal that was reminiscent of Boldin’s two touchdowns against the New England Patriots in the 2012 AFC Championship Game and the first score in Super Bowl XLVII.
On a play action out of the shotgun, Flacco has Smith Sr. on his left side.
He fakes the handoff, and immediately after the fake, locks in on Smith Sr.
There’s a swarm of Steelers defenders in Smith Sr.’s vicinity. Pay attention to receiver Jacoby Jones, who starts off on the right in the slot.
As evident above, Flacco locks in on Smith Sr. from the get-go, which is a recipe for disaster as Flacco misses out on another opportunity.
With the play quickly developing, Flacco remains locked in on Smith Sr. as Jones runs wide open to the right corner of the end zone.
Flacco spurns Jones and sees a one-on-one chance with Smith Sr. down the seam.
For a taller receiver, this play would work. Height doesn’t mean everything for receivers, but it does on a quick jump ball play such as this.
The quarterback remains confident in his veteran receiver, though, not once taking a peak at Jones, ultimately throwing a jump ball to Smith Sr., landing out of his reach.
Meanwhile above, Jones is more than wide open.
Even a quick glance Jones’ way would have resulted in a touchdown.
Instead Flacco opted to stay with Smith Sr. throughout the play.
The ball was just out of Smith Sr.’s reach.
You’d think Flacco would have learned his lesson on that play, right?
Unfortunately for the Ravens offense he didn’t. On the very next play Flacco stares Smith Sr. down the entire play and to the surprise of no one, it’s another failed attempt in the red zone.
This time, Smith Sr. is lined up on the outside with a one-on-one chance again with Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor.
Off the snap, before the play has even developed, Flacco is already keyed in on Smith Sr.
On the right side of the play, there is tight end Dennis Pitta, wide receiver Torrey Smith and running back Justin Forsett.
Without giving any time for the play to develop on the right, Flacco cocks back to throw to Smith Sr., who is blanketed by Taylor.
A designed throw for the Baltimore offense would work if, say, Dez Bryant wore purple and black, but to expect Smith Sr. to realistically catch this ball is asking too much.
Aside from the fact that Flacco again spurns the entire right side of the field (where Forsett is left alone) in favor of his newest receiver and the fact that Smith Sr. is completely covered by Taylor makes the throw even more of a head-scratching decision.
The end result is an easy pass breakup for Taylor.
If Flacco stays this dependent on Smith Sr. in the red zone all season, it’s hard to think many opportunities such as these will result in scores.
Along with passing game woes came struggles in the run game once the offense hit the red zone versus Pittsburgh.
Aside from the absence of a consistent power runner out of the backfield (can Lorenzo Taliaferro get some red zone carries please?), the blocking from the offensive line – overall a solid unit through two games – has dwindled in the red zone.
On one play, offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak trotted out an extreme power formation: three tight ends, a fullback and Bernard Pierce, more of a power back than Forsett.
On a run initially to the left, all goes well on the left side of the line, and Pierce has fullback Kyle Juszczyk to follow.
The problems arise on the right side, where right guard Marshal Yanda gets taken out off the snap, while Ricky Wagner loses a man but could take on the linebacker.
The run play – probably by design – leads to Pierce cutting back inside instead of following the well-blocked left side of the line that includes Juszczyk.
Unfortunately for Pierce, an untouched linebacker and a defensive lineman who capitalized on Yanda’s slip-up leaves him with a wall of Steelers defenders in his way, preventing any gain.
We saw the struggles with the heavy formation last year, and this year has produced similar results so far.
There is no one single problem once the Ravens enter the red zone, however poor execution by the offensive line and Flacco’s consistently poor decision making inside the twenties are the two biggest issues the offense faces.
As the schedule heats up – each of Baltimore’s next three games are tough matchups – the execution in the red zone must improve for the Ravens offense if they plan on being a postseason participant.
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